Finding Hope When Your Story is Unfinished: Part 3

This is part 3 in the series: “Finding Hope when your Story is Unfinished”.  To catch up:

Click here for Part 1: The Ending Will Be Good

Click here for Part 2 : Moving From Lament to Hope

Part 3: Getting to Know the WHO of Hope

In the Fall of 2003, each morning I would arrive to work, open up my laptop and wait with baited breath for an email. I’d sit alone in a stark European office, watching that screen as if my life depended on it.   As the computer booted up, my heart beat quickened and my stomach fluttered with butterflies.

I waited, wondering if I’d see a certain name in my inbox.

This was back in my Corporate America days. I met Justin in 2003 while visiting home in South Carolina, and promptly had to hop on a plane to return to my short-term international assignment in Europe.  Calling cards were expensive, so we mostly emailed.

Most mornings I’d see his name in my inbox, and my heart would skip a beat as I slowly read every word.I was hanging on every word he said.

My future with Justin in those early days was uncertain. We had just met and were discovering together whether or not our young relationship would gain traction.  I hung on every one of his words because I wanted to uncover his heart for our future together.

As we seek to find hope in the midst of our unfinished story, we can hang on God’s every word in Scripture, and be encouraged by the One who holds our future.

God’s will for your life is for you to have hope TODAY in whatever circumstance you’re facing. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:4 tells us that God gives us His Word so that we might have hope.  When we’re walking through a season of darkness, God’s Word illuminates the dark path and gives us just enough light for the step that we’re on. As we seek to find hope while our story is still unfinished, God’s Word reminds us that a good God holds our future. His Word is true, His promises unfailing.

A mind saturated in God’s Word creates a soul satisfied in God’s Hope.

Why Scripture is Essential in Giving us Hope:

As we spend time reading and studying God’s Word, we embark on a journey to:

  • Understand God’s Character and
  • Understand God’s Ways in Suffering

 

Understanding God’s Character

As we saturate our mind in God’s Word, we begin to trust who God is, and become convinced that He is for us and we were created to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.  This side of heaven, our “enjoying Him forever” includes having a joy-filled hopeful expectation that no matter how our story is written, that the ending will be good!

Scripture illuminates the beautiful Gospel of Jesus, the scarlet thread of scripture woven from beginning to end.  Because of Jesus, we can draw near to our Holy God. Jesus gives us access to God the Father. The veil separating us from the Holiness of God was torn in two! We can approach the throne of grace without fear.  Hope is the anchor of our soul, and our ultimate hope is established in the work of Jesus.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Understanding God’s Ways in Suffering

We can never fully understand God’s ways.  Isaiah 55:8 tells us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, however His Word begins to illuminate the fact that our suffering has purpose.  We read accounts of people in the bible like Joseph, or Job, and especially Jesus and we witness that very difficult trials birth beauty.  We are strengthened as God’s Word tells us that our pain has purpose, and that God will use the most difficult parts of our journey to prepare us for what He has ahead.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Now, let’s get practical.  You may be reading this, nodding your head. You understand the importance of getting in God’s Word every day but you don’t know where to start.  It’s difficult to find time in your full days.  I’ve been there!

Here’s are two practical tips that I’ve found helpful in developing a discipline of getting in God’s Word every day:

Set Apart Time

Carve out a set apart time in your day to spend time in God’s Word.  Start with 15 minutes. Place a high priority on this time.  I prefer the morning because the children are still sleeping and it starts my day centered on God.  My successful morning starts the night before, and I must get to bed at a decent time to get up early to spend time with the Lord.  Not a morning person? That’s ok! Maybe your time with God is on your lunch break, during a child’s nap time, or in the evening before bed.

Accountability

Pair up with a friend who also wants to get in God’s Word daily and hold each other accountable.  You could ask a friend to wake up 15 or 30 minutes early and text each other that you’re awake and in God’s Word.  You could text a photo of the scripture you’re reading that day. While you’re at it, share how you can pray for one another throughout the day. We’re better together!

 

I’m working on developing a free, downloadable resource for you to help you overcome the obstacles you experience in getting in God’s Word every day.  I know how much developing a daily discipline of getting in God’s Word has meant in my life.  These early mornings with a hot cup of coffee and my bible spread open have served to establish me and infuse hope into my weary, discouraged soul.  I want to give you hope and help you overcome the challenges you face.  This is one small way I would love to serve you and come alongside you on your journey toward hope.

This is where you can help!

Please answer this one simple question:

What obstacles prevent you from developing a daily discipline of Bible study? 

You can respond by commenting to this blog post, writing a comment on Facebook or Instagram, sending me a private facebook message or emailing me at brooke (at) brookeaturner.com

Thank you in advance for your honest input as I develop a resource to equip women to get in God’s Word every day.

Comments

  1. Maria Davis says

    You are such a blessing! Praying for you as you travel through this journey!

  2. I am in pain every day and I talk to Him a lot and I have to get in the word for a class I teach on Sunday Morning , and I keep our young Grand slot but I find it difficult to have that special, reserved, intimate time with Him in His word on a daily basis!